MLB

Auto-detected content change during sync (commit 06ffb34)

Recorded May 13, 2026

COVID-shortened 60-game season. Designated hitter used in both leagues (interim universal DH). Ghost runner placed on second base at the start of each extra-inning half-inning. Postseason expanded to sixteen teams (eight per league); first round best-of-three with the higher seed hosting all games. Doubleheaders consisted of two seven-inning games.

Recorded May 7, 2026

Seven-inning doubleheaders retained from 2020. Foreign-substance enforcement intensified mid-season — players caught with grip/spin-enhancing substances ejected immediately and suspended 10 games. Ghost-runner extra-innings rule continued. Three-batter minimum and 13-pitcher roster limit waived for 2021.

Recorded May 7, 2026

National League adopted the designated hitter full-time (universal DH). Postseason expanded to twelve teams — three division winners (seeded 1–3) and three wild cards (seeded 4–6) per league. Ghost-runner rule reinstated for regular-season extra innings after a brief repeal. End-of-season tie-breaker games eliminated in favor of statistical tiebreakers.

Recorded May 7, 2026

Pitch clock introduced — 15 seconds with bases empty, 20 seconds with at least one runner on. Defensive shift restriction — at least four players in infield positions, with two on each side of second base. Bases enlarged from 15 to 18 inches. Pickoff disengagement limit set at two per plate appearance (resets if a runner advances). Ghost-runner-on-second extra-inning rule made permanent for regular season.

Recorded May 7, 2026

Pitch clock restart timing changed — clock now restarts when the pitcher receives a new ball from the umpire (previously when the pitcher entered the mound circle). Runner's lane widened to the cut of infield grass in fair territory. Mound visits reduced from five to four per game.

Recorded May 7, 2026